Ravens Draft 2009

[PurpleClawsOfFURY]

James Laurinitis.... He can seriously fill the role of ray lewis and be the face of this franchise for years to come. Give him one or two years beside ray and he'll be the top linebacker in the league he is not overrated he is a FREAKKKKK

[Ravenoid]

Am I the only one that wants a break away runningback like Reggie Bush? Yes receivers can streatch a defense but nothing like a runningback like LT or RB. This is a first for me. For me to say we need an RB the first pick is almost like saying we need a QB, which I never do, but as I look at our team I see our offensive line playing great and our backs getting daylight, what if we had that home run hitting RB?! As for the receivers we have, I see Flacco letting the ball go too late making it a difficult if not impossible task to evaluate them. Imagine if we had drafted Johnathan Stewart, Matt Forte or Chris Johnson. With our line playing the way it is this year we'd be 4 & 1 for sure! I think it's time Ravens, to get a back that strikes fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.

Whadaya think?

[tctony]

I'll admit that I don't watch any college football, so I can't name any players.

Our most pressing need is definitely a cornerback. I don't think we need to draft a Ray replacement, because I've heard great things about Tavares Gooden. Give the guy a few years practicing with Ray, and he'll be a monster. Also, we have luck defensively with later round picks.

But yeah, cornerback.

In fact, lets draft two.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='Ravenoid' post='76558' date='Oct 15 2008, 07:45 PM']Am I the only one that wants a break away runningback like Reggie Bush? Yes receivers can streatch a defense but nothing like a runningback like LT or RB. This is a first for me. For me to say we need an RB the first pick is almost like saying we need a QB, which I never do, but as I look at our team I see our offensive line playing great and our backs getting daylight, what if we had that home run hitting RB?! As for the receivers we have, I see Flacco letting the ball go too late making it a difficult if not impossible task to evaluate them. Imagine if we had drafted Johnathan Stewart, Matt Forte or Chris Johnson. With our line playing the way it is this year we'd be 4 & 1 for sure! I think it's time Ravens, to get a back that strikes fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.

Whadaya think?[/quote]

He hasn't shown it this year because of injuries, but I think Willis is still this type of back when he is healthy (he looked like it last year).

And you can't tell me that defenses aren't afraid of McClain charging into them . . . I know one Steelers LB who is

[wspencer]

[quote name='Ravenoid' post='76558' date='Oct 15 2008, 10:45 PM']Am I the only one that wants a break away runningback like Reggie Bush? Imagine if we had drafted [b]Johnathan Stewart[/b], Matt Forte or Chris Johnson. With our line playing the way it is this year we'd be 4 & 1 for sure! I think it's time Ravens, to get a back that strikes fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.

Whadaya think?[/quote]

stewart is more of a power back. he was drafted to compliment deangelo williams, who is that "break away" back that you talk about.

[JO_75]

I think it may be a little too early to look at the draft. I mean we are only in week 7 of the NFL, and we have the regular season and the playoffs and Super Bowl 43 to get through. Let's worry about the draft when it comes around in April. Though I was looking at the top prospects and it seems the 2009 Draft is filled with big WR's who could be future stars. I think that is where the Ravens can take advantage of that and draft a tall speedy Wide Reciever. Start that WR too. We need a good # 2 WR and the way the draft looks, the Ravens have a chance to find their # 2 WR to compliment Derrick Mason. Well lets think about it this way, If Flacco does good and improves over the year and becomes the Franchise QB the Ravens expected him to be, than for once in god knows how long, the QB won't be a need in the draft.

My Ravens Team Needs to address in the 2009 Draft:
- Wide Reciever(I hope they can take the Maryland Wide Reciever, that would be awesome to take the hometown boy.)
- Corner Back(Rolle needs to be replaced, as far as Im concerned the Ravens can trade Rolle and draft a young tall CB with good hands who can replace Rolle and become a immediate impact on our defense)
- TE(Like I have said before, Todd Heap is doing nothing, lets draft a replacement for Todd Heap and again can make an immediate impact on the team)

[RoflDogs]

Michael crabtree
DHB
Malcolm Jenkins
that davis kid in illinois
george selvie
Michael johnson
one of them in the first

percy harvin in the second

[heapitup247]

Id love me some Malcolm Jenkins at corner, but chances are so will the lions and therefore we prolly wont get him. The guy from wake forest and macho harris are good too. Its a solid CB draft class which could play to our advantage.

[#1 D]

[quote name='heapitup247' post='76982' date='Oct 18 2008, 04:45 PM']Id love me some Malcolm Jenkins at corner, but chances are so will the lions and therefore we prolly wont get him. The guy from wake forest and macho harris are good too. Its a solid CB draft class which could play to our advantage.[/quote]
I think we can get Malcolm this draft, maybe the Lions are looking for some other better WR after Roy left...

[RoflDogs]

jenkins looks like a ball-hawk
(i remember now) Vontae Davis is just a physical monster

[coordinator0]

WR

M. Crabtree
D. Heyward-Bey

or

CB

M. Jenkins
V. Davis

Only one of the mentioned above is a senior, Jenkins, so we'll have to see if the others come out. He's also the guy I want us to get the most. He reminds me of a couple of other former Buckeye corners by the names of Winfield and Clements.

[#1 D]

[quote name='RoflDogs' post='76995' date='Oct 18 2008, 06:21 PM']jenkins looks like a ball-hawk
(i remember now) Vontae Davis is just a physical monster[/quote]
I'd rather go with someone physical...I mean McAllister will soon be gone, and Washington looks more of a cover corner, and a good one. So maybe if we get Davis, then our Corner problem could be solved for quite a while.

[ravens27]

I would love to see Heyward-Bey I saw him at the Maryland game today and he is incredible. Flexible, fast, and makes great plays.

[T-Sizzle55]

Here are a few prospects to keep an eye on this year.

ILB
Brandon Spikes, Florida
Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
5/11/08: In addition to being a sound tackler (a whopping 131 stops in 2007), Brandon Spikes is also great in pass coverage.
2007: The centerpiece of Florida's defense despite being only a sophomore. Either leading the Gators in tackles or sacking opposing quarterbacks on multiple occasions every single week.
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J734kA0DISg"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J734kA0DISg[/url]

Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia
Height: 6-1. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
5/16/08: Dannell Ellerbe finished with 93 tackles and 12 tackles for loss in 2007.
2007: Dannell Ellerbe, finally the full-time starter at Georgia, is a tackling machine; he led the team in stops the first two weeks of the 2007 campaign.

OLB
Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
Height: 6-3. Weight: 241.
Projected Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round: 1-2.
5/16/08: Aaron Curry had a monstrous 2007 campaign, registering 99 tackles, 13.5 tackles for losses, four picks and three touchdowns.

DE
Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-7. Weight: 257.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round (2009): Top 5 Pick.
5/7/08: Best suited for right end in the 4-3, but he's so physically talented he should be able to play rush linebacker in the 3-4. Michael Johnson had just four sacks in 2007, but he has the skillset and athleticism to improve upon that figure. The fact that he's 6-7 doesn't exactly hurt his draft stock.
2007: Any 3-4 hybrid linebacker who has a 4.6 and weighs 250 or more pounds definitely has a shot to go in the first round. Michael Johnson is a solid pass rusher, accumulating four sacks in 2007. He considered leaving school early but decided to return for his senior campaign, showing intelligence and character.

Jamaal Westerman, Rutgers
Height: 6-3. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
2007: Jamaal Westerman, who made some noise as a sophomore (eight sacks), has decent speed considering his 256-pound frame.

Larry English, Northern Illinois
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2009): 3.
5/7/2008: Despite being the only talented defensive lineman on Northern Illinois' front, Larry English still managed 10.5 sacks, giving him 22.5 the past two years. I don't care whom you're playing - numbers like that can't be ignored. Look for English to shoot up draft boards like fellow MAC end Jason Jones did in April. \
2007: Larry English recorded 12 sacks as a sophomore.

Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin
Height: 6-6. Weight: 251.
Projected 40 Time: 4.66.
Projected Round (2009): 3.
2007: A full-time starter as a sophomore, Matt Shaughnessy had four sacks in 2006. Yet another pure pass-rusher in this class, Shaughnessy is a high-character player that coaches love to have.

CB
Vontae Davis, Illinois
Height: 6-0. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
5/17/08: There's a chance Vontae Davis could surpass Malcolm Jenkins. In his two seasons at Illinois, Davis has registered 128 tackles, five picks and 14 passes broken up.
2007: One of the top players at his position in the 2010 class, Vonate Davis has incredible speed for a big corner. He made an immediate contribution as a true freshman. Through four games in 2007, Davis has two blocked punts.

Domonique Johnson, CB, Jackson State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.34.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
5/17/08: Let's see... very tall (6-2), very fast (4.34 40) and very annoying to opposing quarterbacks (five picks). Domonique Johnson transferred from Missouri to Jackson State for undisclosed reasons, so that's keeping me from putting him any higher on this list.

Mark Parson, Ohio
Height: 5-10. Weight: 193.
Projected 40 Time: 4.38.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
5/17/08: A seldom-beat man-to-man corner, Mark Parson is among the junior career leaders in pass breakups with 26 (only behind Mike Mickens and Alphonso Smith). He's a great leader and his ability to put up 18 reps of 225 pounds will catch someone's attention.
2007: Mark Parson, who started the final 10 games of his sophomore campaign, will certainly turn some heads with his 40 time.

DeAngelo Smith, Cincinnati
Height: 6-0. Weight: 189.
Projected 40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
5/17/08: Cincinnati's "other" corner qualified for the All-Big East second team, thanks to his five interceptions.
2007: DeAngelo Smith has three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, through four games in 2007.

WR
Jamayel Smith, Mississippi State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 187.
Projected 40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2009): 6.
5/22/08: Jamayel Smith may have just caught 33 passes for 510 yards in 2007, but look past that. Check out his performance against Arkansas in mid-November: 10 catches, 208 yards and two scores. A sign of things to come?

Brennan Marion, Tulsa
Height: 6-1. Weight: 185.
Projected 40 Time: 4.46.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
5/22/08: Brennan Marion's 40 will get him noticed, as will his 2007 numbers: 1,244 yards and 11 touchdowns. Oh, and he didn't play in two of Tulsa's 13 games.

Jaison Williams, Oregon
Height: 6-5. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
5/22/08: A 4.6 isn't good for a receiver, but if the guy's 6-5, 240, who cares? Jaison Williams was a powerful weapon for Dennis Dixon; Williams notched 55 receptions, 844 yards and eight touchdowns. NFL GMs be warned - Williams is known for his butter fingers.
2007: An intriguing prospect. Look at his weight. How can anyone defend him inside the end zone? If Jaison Williams can run a 4.5, he'll go in the first two rounds. Caught 68 passes for 984 yards and six touchdowns in 2006.

[FerrariFan87]

Heyward-Bey was beastly yesterday. I'd like to pick him up next year...

[Shawn`]

1st round should definitely be a WR. Mason is an ok go-to receiver right now, but lets face it he's not going to be around in the NFL for much longer and even if he is I think he's reached his prime.

We can hold off on Cornerbacks in the draft, unless there's an supremely excellent one up for grabs in the 2nd round, let the 2nd round pick go to a linemen and lets pick up a free agent CB.

[rayvenfan_52]

Theres 1 person I really want.

Heyward-Bey

hands down. We also gotta remember some other team would want him too.

[CARavensFan]

[quote name='rayvenfan_52' post='78021' date='Oct 20 2008, 02:51 PM']Theres 1 person I really want.

Heyward-Bey

hands down. We also gotta remember some other team would want him too.[/quote]

The more I read about this guy the more I like him, but he does still strike me as someone who needs polishing as a WR. Didn't he move from track to the football program or something like that?

[Figurs16]

Vontae Davis CB from Illinois in the first round. McAllister and Rolle are old and it would add another weapon to the already great defense.


What do all of you think?

[Figurs16]

LB-James Laurinaitis

WR-Percy Harvin

CB-Malcom Jenkins or Vontae Davis

[Bullitt_711]

Best available. It's nice to have the QB spot out of the way finally. We need a WR in the early rounds I don't know about 1st WR are such a crap shoot, but up there. They are one of the hardest positions in the NFL to succeed in. If we get a high pick trade it, and next years #1 for Calvin Johnson, love that cat.

[ravensrock86]

just thinking about heyward-bay in a ravens jersey makes my mouth water

[wspencer]

[quote name='Bullitt_711' post='78072' date='Oct 20 2008, 08:43 PM']Best available. It's nice to have the QB spot out of the way finally. We need a WR in the early rounds I don't know about 1st WR are such a crap shoot, but up there. They are one of the hardest positions in the NFL to succeed in. If we get a high pick trade it, and next years #1 for Calvin Johnson, love that cat.[/quote]

i think there's almost zero chance that detroit parts ways with megatron....since they just parted ways with roy williams, johnson is their only realy offensive weapon. but it is nice to dream.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='ravensrock86' post='78106' date='Oct 20 2008, 10:11 PM']just thinking about heyward-bay in a ravens jersey makes my mouth water [/quote]

Same here.... same here. We gotta pray he doesn't "test" well at the Combine so when we pick in the middle to early 20s, he will still be on the board If he lights it up, we won't have a chance...

[T-Sizzle55]

We need to keep our eyes open for CBs WRs and DEs in this upcomming draft.
CB: we should get Vontae Davis, Illinois or Domonique Johnson
DE: we should get Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin or Larry English, Northern Illinois
WR: we should get DHB (Darrius Heyward-Bey), Maryland!!! or Brennan Marion, Tulsa
OLB: If we can't reach a deal with Bart Scott and the opertunity presents itself I say we get Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (just imagine if Ray and Rex get ahold of the potential this kid has).

We have LBs Ray, Suggs, and Scott in their last season.
We have WRs Demetrius Williams in his last season and Derrick Mason might be thinking of retirement.
We have SS Dawan Landry and TE Daniel Wilcox in their last season. Plus, Gregg and Reed with nasty injuries.

Does anyone know of any other players in the last year of their contract?

I don't think we have the money to keep all the players and will unfortunately have to make some cuts. I'd keep Ray, Suggs, DW, Landry, and Wilcox. I think DW, Landry, and Wilcox will be easily resignable since they won't make a killing in the market. However, we will have to balance a huge chunk of money sought after by Ray, Suggs, and Scott. Ray deserves what he asks and Suggs is young, tough and irreplaceable. Scott is like AD in the sense that they are great here and want/deserve big contracts, but I think it will hurt us in the long run if we load up and purge most of our funds on defensive players. We will have a miniscule amount in cap room leaving us unable to go after anyone on the offensive side of the ball (Anquan Boldin for instance). With Griesen, Gooden, Burgess, Barnes, Jameel McClain, Ayendejo or another draft pick, I think we can fill his spot (Sorry "Mad Backer"!). Just please make sure he doens't find his way to Cleveland or in our division (Send him to dominate the NFC!)

Possible CB FAs: Chris Gamble, Phillip Buchanon, Nnamdi Asomugha, Dunta Robinson.
Possible WR FAs: Miles Austin, Devery Henderson, Ashley Lelie (I know OAK picked him up, but if it was only a one year deal I say we grab him).
[url="http://www.profootballcentral.com/2009-free-agents/"]http://www.profootballcentral.com/2009-free-agents/[/url]

I think Chris Gamble and Ashley Lelie can help us right away and really succeed here in Baltimore. A one time he was a 1,000+ yard receiver with 7 TDs, 21 catches over 20 yards, and 5 catches over 40 yards (we need that deep threat!). Over the past 3 years Lelie has been a casualty of a poor passing games in Atlanta, San Fran, and Oakland. He should be cheap and have a great turn out with Flacco at the helm. Watch their numbers sore. Amaising speed and hands, will go up to get the ball, fights off defenders, powerfull enough to break tackles, and a serious deep threat averaging 17.1 yrds per catch. Check him out on youtube I feel bad Denver didn't keep him cuz his carreer has taken a serious hit for the worse. What if we somehow trade for Boldin (w/o giving them Suggs), pick up a cut Lelie from Oakland, and draft Darius Heyward-Bey? How do you spell dynasty? Never mind I just did! If we can stretch the field, provide some threats deep, not allow teams to put 8 men in the box on us, and burn them when they don't with our awesome backfield, I can see us becomming the most dominant team in football. The New America's team? No just Baltimore's CRUCIAL team (Get off my bandwagon fool!).

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJjY1mLj2lc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJjY1mLj2lc[/url]

[Guest 410finest]

We need a WR and maybe replacement for for Mac... The way the Colts played him out might be a sign to think about replacment. He did not start this week and we won... hint hint.

[rayvenfan_52]

[quote name='410finest' post='78166' date='Oct 21 2008, 12:23 AM']We need a WR and maybe replacement for for Mac... The way the Colts played him out might be a sign to think about replacment. He did not start this week and we won... hint hint.[/quote]

You seem to forget that C-Mac was guarding someone named..... Wait a minute. I think he was guarding a rookie. yea that has to be it.

It was MARVIN HARRISON.

Harrison and Manning are a good duo of QB and WR. You also seem to forget that Ivy was watching Reggie Wayne
run circles around him for most of the game but I dont see you saying anything about him.

[PurpleClawsOfFURY]

I for one think corey Ivy is the biggest problem on the team.... I've never seen a non coverage corner... He has never covered a offensive player right in his career. I hate his "let them catch it then try to tackle them" philosphy.. He's the guy when our D needs a stop late in the game on 3rd down that gives up that little hitch to the crappy wide receiver...... I'd rather put a linebacker like antwan barnes in the nickel i mean he already plays gunner for us.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PurpleClawsOfFURY' post='78832' date='Oct 22 2008, 11:37 PM']I for one think corey Ivy is the biggest problem on the team.... I've never seen a non coverage corner... He has never covered a offensive player right in his career. I hate his "let them catch it then try to tackle them" philosphy.. He's the guy when our D needs a stop late in the game on 3rd down that gives up that little hitch to the crappy wide receiver...... I'd rather put a linebacker like antwan barnes in the nickel i mean he already plays gunner for us.[/quote]

I must admit that I've never been the biggest fan of Ivy. But in the Nickel package he really is quite effective and once in a while he'll throw in a sack or two. But if he's the "depth" that we need to rely on when our starting CBs are out, then we are in trouble. There's no way he cover #1,2 in man coverage. This was apparent during the Colts and many games last year.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='PuRock' post='78875' date='Oct 23 2008, 09:21 AM']I must admit that I've never been the biggest fan of Ivy. But in the Nickel package he really is quite effective and once in a while in throw in a sack or two. But if he's the "depth" that we need to rely on when our starting CBs are out, then we are in trouble. There's no way he cover #1,2 in man coverage. This was apparent during the Colts and many games last year.[/quote]

Let's not forget about Derrick Martin, I think he has some potential to contribute in Nickel situations as well. He showed some promise in pre-season.